Apparently, semi-precious stones are the things to buy here. There're plenty of jewelry stores everywhere.
Right at the lobby of our hotel, there're 3 jewelry stores with all its colors and tempting sparkles. There're the loose stones and the ones set into earrings, bracelets and necklaces. A little gaudy, I find. The 14K yellow gold used is also questionable.
Well, if one considers that crappy costume jewelry at the malls in Singapore go for S$80 - 120, then at US$80 - $120 for a necklace made up of real rubies, jewelry is really cheap in Laos. The country's doesn't have naturally-occurring rubies. The rubies are all brought in from Myanmar. And Myanmar stocks some of the best quality rubies in the world. Somebody mentioned that the pigeon's blood ruby cost a mere US$600 - 800 here. I assumed he was referring to a size of 1.5 - 2 carats of a loose stone.
If one buys colored stones often from Thailand and thinks it a reasonable price compared to what Singapore offers, then you should come to Lao PDR, if you don't mind the fact that there's NOTHING to do here and everything's so basic. Stones are a good 35 - 40% off Thai retail prices. Lao PDR offers its stones literally at the true wholesale value.
I'm no expert on the stones. Neither do I wear colored stones often. I definitely wouldn't buy them off the shelves. I prefer buying them from etsy or indie beaders. But I'm seeing a mindboggling selection which will attract many. Anyone skilled in beading and crafts would love to come browse and stock up.
3 comments:
The stones are amazing. I want. :)
Ya.. The display of gems in Myanmar is just as amazing! But you can't carry them out of the country as easily. Well, that was what I remembered of my last visit so many many years ago.
delphine: you'll like- if you can tahan the boring journey to and fro. if not doing anything is your cup of tea, then it's awesome.
jomel: that's why Laos is a better choice for buying gems!
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